India to have 13 digit M2M numbers soon; Mobile numbers to remain unaffected

If you’ve been reading recent reports by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) about changes to be made in mobile numbers from July 1 and stressing yourself out, you need to relax. All mobile numbers will continue to have 10 digits. The order is applicable for machine-to-machine or M2M numbers only.

What is the DoT directive?

Earlier this month, the DoT had issued a directive to telecom operators mentioning the implementation of 13-digit numbering scheme for M2M communication. All new M2M mobile connections will be allocated 13-digit numbers from July 1, 2018. The migration of existing l0-digit M2M numbers to 13 digits will start latest by October 1, 2018, and shall be completed by December 31, 2018.

What is M2M number?

M2M sim refers to the technologies that enable devices and sensors or things to communicate with each other and with other Internet-enabled devices and systems. They are the ones that are used for SIMs in devices like swipe machines, cars, electricity meters etc.

Why do you need not worry

Certain sections of the media seem to have misinterpreted the order for machine to machine or M2M numbers. Confirming the development, Bharti Airtel, in a written response to TRAI consultation paper on “Spectrum, Roaming and QoS related requirements in Machine-to-Machine Communications,” said, “DoT has already approved a 13-digit numbering series for SIM-based M2M devices which will co-exist with the prevalent 10-digit mobile numbering scheme to be allocated for the Unified Licence.”

Longest numbers ever

If the decision is implemented, India will become the country with the longest mobile numbers, with China the only country at scale with 11 digit mobile numbers, not counting the area code. Apart from this, only French regions of Gaudeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion have longer numbers.